CBA redirects charitable efforts to aid storm victims

Published 6:35 pm, Saturday, November 3, 2012

ALBANY — Instead of collecting money for the school, Christian Brothers Academy officials are putting off an annual fund-raiser to gather goods needed by victims and communities hit by Superstorm Sandy.

CBA leaders said on Saturday that the annual fund-raiser known as Phonathon is being postponed for completion in early 2013 because many people in the New York City/New Jersey areas harmed by the storm are alumni and the idea of calling them for donations at this time didn't make sense.

Colleen Ward, CBA's Director of Institutional Advancement, said the action plan is not yet complete but school employees and students will likely begin gathering toiletries and personal hygiene products for Sandy victims. School officials intend to contact alumni in the storm-damaged regions to see what they need and what their communities need, Ward said.

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Ward said some fund-raising calls had begun prior to the decision to discontinue Phonathon until early next year. The fund-raiser is the biggest each year for the 154-year-old, 406-student institution.